PCOS Explained Simply: Symptoms, Types, and an Ayurvedic Approach
What is PCOS?
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common hormonal conditions affecting women today, yet for many it still feels confusing and overwhelming.
In simple terms, PCOS is a condition where the ovaries and hormones fall out of balance. It’s not just about the ovaries having “cysts” (which are really tiny, immature follicles) — it’s about the whole hormonal system being a little bit out of rhythm. Think of it as the body’s way of signaling that something deeper needs attention.
PCOS Symptoms: What It Can Look Like
PCOS doesn’t look the same for everyone. Some women may struggle with their menstrual cycle, while others notice changes in their skin, weight, or energy levels.
The most common symptoms include:
Irregular or missing periods – cycles may come late, skip, or be very unpredictable.
Excess hair growth – especially on the chin, upper lip, chest, or stomach.
Hair thinning – especially near the crown of the head.
Acne – often deep, cystic acne on the jawline or cheeks.
Weight fluctuations – difficulty losing weight or sudden gain around the abdomen.
Fertility struggles – irregular ovulation can make conception challenging.
Mood changes – anxiety, depression, or feeling emotionally “stuck.”
Fatigue – feeling sluggish, heavy, or unmotivated even with rest.
It’s important to remember: not every woman with PCOS will have all of these symptoms. Some may look perfectly healthy on the outside but still struggle internally. Others may be visibly affected in multiple ways.
What Happens With the Egg and Hormones in PCOS?
To really understand PCOS, it helps to zoom in on what’s happening with the egg and hormones each month.
In a healthy cycle, the brain sends signals (FSH and LH hormones) to the ovaries to help an egg mature. One egg grows fully, is released (ovulation), and the rest of the tiny follicles shrink away. Ovulation is the key event of the cycle — it balances estrogen, progesterone, and other hormones that affect not just fertility, but mood, metabolism, and energy.
In PCOS, this process gets disrupted. Instead of one egg maturing and being released, the hormonal signals don’t sync up properly. The follicles (tiny sacs that hold immature eggs) start to grow, but then stall. They don’t release an egg, and instead stay as small fluid-filled sacs on the ovaries. This is why PCOS is called “polycystic” — though technically these are not cysts, but immature follicles.
At the same time, the hormonal balance shifts:
Higher androgens (male hormones) can lead to acne, excess hair growth, and scalp hair thinning.
Low or irregular progesterone (from missing ovulation) can cause missed periods and mood swings.
Insulin resistance in many women makes it harder to process sugar, leading to cravings, fatigue, and weight gain.
Why does this matter for your health? Because hormones aren’t just about reproduction. They influence your metabolism, energy, mood, sleep, and even long-term risks. Without regular ovulation, the entire hormonal rhythm is disrupted. Over time, unmanaged PCOS can increase the risk of diabetes, heart conditions, and chronic inflammation.
The good news: with the right support, many women with PCOS can restore ovulation, rebalance their hormones, and feel healthier and more energized.
The Different Types of PCOS
Just as no two women are alike, PCOS doesn’t always show up in the same way. Health professionals often describe different “types” or patterns of PCOS. These aren’t official diagnoses, but they help us understand and approach healing.
1. Insulin-Resistant PCOS
The most common type. Here, the body struggles to process sugar properly, leading to high insulin levels. Symptoms often include belly weight gain, sugar cravings, and fatigue after meals.
2. Adrenal or Stress-Induced PCOS
Linked to high cortisol (the stress hormone). Women may not have insulin resistance, but still struggle with irregular cycles, sleep issues, and anxiety.
3. Inflammatory PCOS
The body is in a state of chronic low-grade inflammation. Common signs include fatigue, bloating, brain fog, and skin flare-ups.
4. Post-Pill PCOS
Symptoms appear after stopping hormonal birth control. Cycles may take months to recalibrate. This type is often temporary but can be frustrating.
5. Lean PCOS
Women with this type may not gain weight and often go undiagnosed. Despite appearing “healthy,” they may have irregular cycles, acne, or fertility challenges.
Understanding which type of PCOS you may be experiencing is an important step in finding the right care.
The Ayurvedic View of PCOS
Ayurveda doesn’t see PCOS as just a “condition” — it sees it as an imbalance in the whole system.
At its root, PCOS is viewed as a disorder of:
Agni (digestive fire)
Doshas (the body’s energies)
Dhatus (tissues, especially reproductive tissue)
When digestion weakens, toxins (ama) build up in the body. Over time, this disrupts metabolism, clogs the body’s channels, and creates hormonal irregularities.
Modern medicine focuses on symptom management — regulating cycles with birth control, or using medications for insulin resistance. Ayurveda asks deeper questions: Why did this imbalance develop in the first place? How can we restore harmony?
This means two women with PCOS may receive very different Ayurvedic guidance. One may need nervous system and stress support. Another may need digestive fire strengthened. Another may need gentle detoxification.
Ayurveda doesn’t give a one-size-fits-all solution — it sees you.
Can PCOS Be Managed Naturally?
Yes. Many women have restored ovulation, improved their cycles, and balanced their hormones with the right care. Ayurveda emphasizes:
Supporting digestion and metabolism through food and daily rhythms
Balancing stress and the nervous system with lifestyle and practices
Reducing inflammation with diet and herbs
Restoring natural cycles gently and sustainably
Healing takes time, but each small shift matters.
Living With PCOS: Key Reminders
You are not broken. PCOS is your body’s way of asking for deeper care.
Healing isn’t linear. There will be ups and downs, but each step is progress.
Small habits matter. Food, sleep, and stress shifts add up.
You deserve support. You don’t have to figure this out alone.
Begin Your PCOS Healing Journey
If you’re feeling lost, tired of conflicting advice, or ready to finally understand your body from the inside out, Ayurveda offers a gentle yet powerful path forward.
Book a consultation with me today and take your first step toward balance, clarity, and wholeness. Your body is ready to heal — and you don’t have to do it alone.
